§ 151:20 — Facility Policy and Procedures

I. A facility shall adopt a policy setting forth the rights and responsibilities of patients admitted to the facility. Patients shall be treated in accordance with the policy. A written copy of the policy shall be posted at a public place in the facility and provided to each member of the staff who shall be trained and involved in the implementation of the policy. Upon admission the facility shall provide each patient with a copy of the policy and obtain written confirmation that the patient has received the copy and is aware of its contents.
II. A facility shall establish written procedures to implement its policy to guarantee the patients' rights and shall include procedures for the investigation and resolution of complaints made by or on behalf of patients, families of patients or staff. The policy and procedures shall be clear and unambiguous and a written copy shall be available for inspection by anyone. A copy shall be distributed to each patient and each patient's personal representative under RSA 151:22 and shall be available upon request and at cost to anyone.
III. If a patient cannot read the policy and procedures they shall be read to the patient in a language the patient understands. The facility shall make all reasonable efforts to explain the policy and procedures so that a patient with a developmental or intellectual disability may understand and shall have the explanation witnessed by a third person. For a minor or a patient with a legal guardian, both the patient and the parent or legal guardian shall be fully informed of the policy and procedures.

Legislative History

1981, 453:1. 1983, 274:8, 10. 1997, 331:2, eff. Aug. 22, 1997. 2008, 52:4, eff. July 11, 2008.